Buddha was a firm believer of Karuna (meaning compassion) and Ahimsa (meaning non-violence). He spent his life searching for peace and truth. He believed that the material pleasures held little significance in life, and dedicated his life to spirituality and religion.
Since Buddha was born in a Hindu family, the festival holds a lot of significance for the Hindu community. In Hinduism, Lord Buddha is believed to be the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Buddha Purnima is an auspicious day for devotees of Lord Vishnu and is observed with full fervor in India.
Buddha Purnima has a lot of astrological significance as well. .
In Buddhism, it is believed that for you to be able to enjoy good health, bring happiness to your family, and enjoy peace in life, you must first master control over your mind. In Hinduism, devotees of Lord Ganesha practice a similar belief; that by gaining control over one’s mind, one can find the way to enlightenment. Astrologers believe that to gain control of your mind, you should strengthen the Moon in your horoscope.
If you want to achieve mental peace and bliss this Vesak, you should follow Buddha’s “Eightfold path”. It is the only true way to celebrate the festival.
According to Buddha, the Eightfold path included-
- Having the Right View or Understanding, by knowing the truth,
- Having the Right Intention, by freeing your mind of bad thoughts,
- Having the Right Speech, which does not hurt others,
- Having the Right Action, by working for the good of others,
- Having the Right Livelihood, by maintaining an ethical standard in life,
- Having the Right Effort, by resisting evil,
- Having the Right Mindfulness, by practicing meditation,
- Having the Right Concentration, by controlling your thoughts.
Shishir Mandya
Editors Note : It is believed that by following this path, you can be free from your sufferings, bring harmony and peace, and even bring in more positivity and optimism in your life. We live in illusion and the appearance of things.
There is a reality. We are that reality. When you understand this, you see that you are nothing, and being nothing, you are everything.
